'My teammates called me PANDA': When Sarfaraz Khan revealed how Virat Kohli helped him focus on fitness

Throwback to when Sarfaraz Khan revealed how Virat Kohli's conversation helped him in his career. (Photo: X)

Out-of-favour India batter Sarfaraz Khan has captured everyone’s attention with a jaw-dropping transformation. Long plagued by fitness concerns that hindered his progress across different levels of the game, Sarfaraz has now turned the tide in emphatic fashion.

Interestingly, this isn't the first time he’s undergone a fitness revolution. Nearly five years ago, Sarfaraz experienced a similar turning point — one he credits to none other than Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. Sarfaraz made his IPL debut under Kohli’s leadership for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2015. After three seasons with the franchise, he was released and picked up by Punjab Kings for the 2019 season.

It was during his prolific 2019–20 Ranji Trophy campaign — during which he delivered a series of marathon knocks — Sarfaraz revealed the influence Kohli had on him. The star batter’s relentless commitment to fitness and professionalism left a deep impression on the youngster.

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"I felt good not just about my improved fitness but because it helped me score runs and get a lead. At one point, all my team-mates used to call me ‘panda’ because I used to eat a lot. Now, they’ve started calling me ‘macho’. Actually, very few people know it’s my nickname now," he told ESPNCricinfo in an interview back in January 2020.

Kohli’s words of encouragement and his example off the field played a pivotal role in reshaping Sarfaraz’s attitude toward fitness. The latest transformation is a testament to that mindset shift — one that could yet bring him back into the national reckoning.

"I was dropped at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2016 because of my fitness. Virat Kohli told me straightaway while there were no doubts over my skills, my fitness was not letting me get to the next level. He was very honest with me about where I was," he added.

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Sarfaraz Khan may not be part of the ongoing Test series against England, but the red-ball specialist is still making headlines — this time, for his incredible fitness transformation. He is known for piling on big scores and celebrating in trademark Sidhu Moosewala style.

Long criticized for his fitness despite stellar domestic performances, Sarfaraz’s transformation sends a clear message to his detractors. His dedication and discipline have turned heads, with many hailing his effort as a serious statement of intent.

The story behind the transformation isn’t new — his father and coach, Naushad Khan, had earlier detailed Sarfaraz’s intense fitness regime back in May when the batter was selected for the India A tour of England. From diet control to strict training routines, it was a complete lifestyle overhaul.

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As Sarfaraz continues to work on his game and fitness, fans and selectors alike will be watching closely. The message is loud and clear: Sarfaraz Khan is ready, fitter, and hungrier than ever.

"We have controlled our diet a lot. We have stopped eating roti, rice, etc. We haven't eaten roti or rice at home for 1 to 1.5 months. We eat broccoli, carrot, cucumber, salad, and green vegetable salad. Along with that, we eat grilled fish, grilled chicken, boiled chicken, boiled egg, etc. We are also having green tea and green coffee," Naushad told Hindustan Times.

"We eat avocados also. There are sprouts also. But the main thing is that we have stopped eating roti and rice. We have stopped eating sugar. We have stopped eating maida (flour) and bakery items."

"He has almost lost 10 kgs within 1.5 months. He is working on reducing his weight even further. I have reduced 12 kgs myself because I had a knee issue. So, I also benefited from it. The doctor told me that I have to do a knee replacement. So, I told him that I had to delay it. He told me that I have to reduce my weight for that," Naushad had told Hindustan Times.